10805784

Methods and Systems for Efficient Location Support for Wireless Emergency Alerts

PublishedOctober 13, 2020
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
28 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A method, at a mobile device, for providing a warning message, comprising: receiving a warning message broadcast from a base station in a wireless network, the warning message including a message identifier and an interior or exterior cell indication wherein the exterior cell indication comprises an inclusion of a definition of a geographic area in the warning message and the interior cell indication comprises an exclusion of the definition of the geographic area in the warning message; and providing a content of the warning message to a user based on a detection of the interior cell indication.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a method for delivering warning messages to mobile devices in a wireless network. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and context-aware dissemination of warning messages, ensuring users receive relevant alerts based on their location relative to a defined geographic area. The method involves a mobile device receiving a warning message broadcast from a base station. The message includes a message identifier and an indicator specifying whether the warning applies to an interior or exterior cell. The exterior cell indication includes a geographic area definition, while the interior cell indication excludes this definition. The mobile device processes the message and, upon detecting an interior cell indication, presents the warning content to the user. This approach allows the network to selectively target users inside or outside a specific geographic area without requiring the device to determine its location, reducing computational overhead and improving response time. The method ensures that warnings are delivered only to users within the intended area when an interior cell indication is present, while exterior cell indications include geographic boundaries for broader dissemination. This system enhances public safety by ensuring timely and accurate alert delivery while optimizing network resources.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the interior cell indication comprises an indication of a cell for which location verification of the mobile device is not needed and the exterior cell indication comprises an indication of a cell for which location verification of the mobile device is needed.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to mobile device location verification in cellular networks, specifically optimizing when location verification is required. The system distinguishes between interior cells, where location verification is unnecessary, and exterior cells, where verification is needed. Interior cells are areas where the mobile device is already confirmed to be within a trusted zone, such as a home or office, reducing unnecessary verification steps. Exterior cells are areas outside this trusted zone, requiring location verification to ensure the device is authorized or to prevent fraud. The method involves monitoring the mobile device's movement between cells and applying different verification protocols based on whether the device is in an interior or exterior cell. This approach improves efficiency by avoiding redundant checks in trusted areas while maintaining security in untrusted regions. The system dynamically adjusts verification requirements based on cell classification, enhancing user experience and network performance. The invention is particularly useful for fraud prevention, location-based services, and secure access control in mobile networks.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the geographic area is a polygon, circle or ellipse.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a method for defining and analyzing geographic areas in a spatial data system. The method addresses the challenge of accurately representing and processing irregular or complex geographic regions, which is critical for applications such as mapping, navigation, and geographic information systems (GIS). The invention provides a way to define a geographic area as a polygon, circle, or ellipse, allowing for precise spatial analysis and boundary determination. The method involves selecting a shape type (polygon, circle, or ellipse) and then specifying the parameters required to define that shape, such as vertices for a polygon or center coordinates and radii for a circle or ellipse. Once defined, the geographic area can be used for various purposes, including boundary calculations, area measurements, and spatial queries. The method ensures that the defined area accurately represents the intended region, improving the reliability of spatial data analysis. This approach is particularly useful in applications where precise geographic boundaries are essential, such as land management, urban planning, and environmental monitoring.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising; detecting the exterior cell indication in the warning message; determining a location estimate for the mobile device based on detecting the exterior cell indication; and determining whether the mobile device is within or outside the geographic area based on the location estimate.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to mobile device positioning and location-based services, specifically addressing challenges in determining whether a mobile device is inside or outside a predefined geographic area. The problem arises when a mobile device receives a warning message indicating it is near or outside a restricted or monitored area, but the message lacks precise location data. The invention improves upon prior methods by enhancing location accuracy using cell-based positioning techniques. The method involves detecting an exterior cell indication within a warning message received by the mobile device. This indication suggests the device may be near or outside a designated geographic boundary. Upon detection, the method calculates a location estimate for the mobile device using cell-based positioning, which relies on signal strength, cell tower identifiers, or other cellular network data. The location estimate is then compared against the predefined geographic area to determine whether the device is inside or outside the boundary. This approach ensures more reliable location verification, particularly in scenarios where GPS or other high-precision positioning methods are unavailable or unreliable. The method may also integrate with other positioning techniques to refine accuracy further. The solution is particularly useful for applications like geofencing, emergency alerts, or location-based access control.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The method of claim 4 and further comprising: determining that the mobile device is within the geographic area; and providing the content of the warning message to the user based on determining that the mobile device is within the geographic area.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for delivering location-based warning messages to users of mobile devices. The problem addressed is the need to provide timely and relevant warnings to users when they enter specific geographic areas where hazards or risks may exist. The system monitors the location of a mobile device and determines whether it is within a predefined geographic area associated with a warning. Upon detecting that the device is within the area, the system automatically provides the warning message to the user. The warning message may include information about potential dangers, safety instructions, or other relevant alerts. The system may also track the user's location over time to ensure the warning is delivered only when necessary. This approach enhances situational awareness and safety by ensuring users receive critical information when they are in proximity to areas of concern. The invention is particularly useful in applications such as natural disaster alerts, public safety notifications, or workplace hazard warnings.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The method of claim 4 , wherein the warning message further includes an indication as to whether the mobile device shall or shall not provide the warning message to the user when unable to determine whether the mobile device is within or outside the geographic area and further comprising: determining that the mobile device may or may not be within the geographic area; providing the content of the warning message to the user when the indication indicates that the mobile device shall provide the warning message; and not providing the content of the warning message to the user when the indication indicates that the mobile device shall not provide the warning message.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to mobile device warning systems, specifically addressing the challenge of determining whether a mobile device is within a predefined geographic area when location data is uncertain. The system provides a warning message to a user when the device's location cannot be definitively determined, but includes an indication of whether the warning should be displayed in such cases. When the device cannot confirm its location within or outside the geographic area, it checks the warning message's indication. If the indication specifies that the warning should be shown, the content is displayed to the user. Conversely, if the indication specifies that the warning should not be shown, the content is withheld. This approach ensures that users receive relevant warnings only when necessary, avoiding unnecessary alerts while maintaining safety when location uncertainty exists. The system enhances user experience by providing configurable warning behavior based on predefined rules, improving reliability in scenarios where location accuracy is compromised.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The method of claim 4 wherein determining that the mobile device is within the geographic area comprises at least one of determining that the location estimate is within the geographic area, determining that the location estimate is within a threshold distance of and outside the geographic area, or determining that the location estimate is either within the geographic area or within the threshold distance of and outside the geographic area.

Plain English Translation

A method for determining the proximity of a mobile device to a defined geographic area involves assessing the device's location estimate relative to the area. The method evaluates whether the device is within the geographic area, within a threshold distance outside the area, or both. This determination is used to trigger actions such as location-based services, notifications, or access control. The location estimate may be derived from GPS, cellular triangulation, Wi-Fi, or other positioning technologies. The threshold distance allows for flexibility in defining proximity, accommodating scenarios where precise boundary detection is challenging or where a buffer zone is desired. The method ensures accurate and reliable proximity assessments, even in dynamic or uncertain positioning conditions. This approach is useful in applications like geofencing, asset tracking, or location-based marketing, where precise boundary detection is critical. The technique may also incorporate additional factors, such as signal strength or environmental conditions, to refine the determination. The method is designed to work with various mobile devices and positioning systems, providing a versatile solution for location-based applications.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the warning message includes the threshold distance.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for vehicle collision avoidance monitors the distance between a host vehicle and a target vehicle to prevent collisions. The system detects the position of the target vehicle relative to the host vehicle and calculates the distance between them. If the distance falls below a predefined threshold, the system generates a warning message to alert the driver. The warning message includes the threshold distance to inform the driver of the critical proximity. The system may also adjust the threshold distance dynamically based on factors such as vehicle speed, road conditions, or environmental factors to enhance safety. The method ensures timely alerts to mitigate collision risks by providing clear, actionable information to the driver. The system may integrate with existing vehicle sensors, such as radar or cameras, to accurately track the target vehicle's position and distance. The dynamic adjustment of the threshold ensures adaptability to varying driving conditions, improving overall collision prevention effectiveness. The warning message may be displayed on a dashboard or emitted as an audible alert to ensure driver awareness. This approach enhances driver reaction time and reduces the likelihood of accidents by providing precise distance information in critical situations.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the location estimate includes an error component, wherein determining that the mobile device is within the geographic area comprises determining that the mobile device is within the geographic area with a threshold confidence.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to location-based systems for determining whether a mobile device is within a specific geographic area, addressing challenges in accuracy and reliability of location estimates. The method involves generating a location estimate for the mobile device, where the estimate includes an inherent error component due to factors like signal interference or device limitations. To determine if the mobile device is within the geographic area, the system evaluates the location estimate with a threshold confidence level, accounting for the error component. This ensures that the determination is robust against inaccuracies in the location estimate. The geographic area may be defined by boundaries or zones, and the confidence threshold can be adjusted based on application requirements, such as security or precision needs. The method may also involve comparing the location estimate to the geographic area's boundaries while considering the error component to avoid false positives or negatives. This approach improves the reliability of location-based services, such as access control, navigation, or asset tracking, by mitigating the impact of location estimation errors.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The method of claim 4 and further comprising; determining that the mobile device is outside the geographic area; periodically reobtaining a new location estimate for the mobile device; and determining whether the mobile device has moved inside the geographic area based on the new location estimate.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to location-based monitoring of mobile devices, specifically for tracking whether a device remains within or exits a predefined geographic area. The problem addressed is ensuring continuous and accurate monitoring of a mobile device's location relative to a designated boundary, particularly when the device moves outside the area. The method involves determining that a mobile device has exited a specified geographic area. Once outside, the system periodically reobtains new location estimates for the device. These estimates are used to determine whether the device has subsequently reentered the geographic area. The periodic location updates allow for real-time tracking and verification of the device's position relative to the boundary. The method builds on a broader system for monitoring mobile devices within a geographic area. This includes establishing the geographic boundary, obtaining initial location estimates for the device, and determining whether the device is inside or outside the area based on these estimates. The periodic reobtaining of location data ensures continuous monitoring, even after the device has initially exited the area, to detect any reentry. The invention is useful for applications such as asset tracking, personal safety monitoring, or compliance with geographic restrictions, where knowing whether a device has left and later returned to a designated area is critical. The periodic updates provide a balance between accuracy and resource efficiency, ensuring reliable location tracking without excessive data usage.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The method of claim 10 and further comprising: determining that the mobile device has moved inside the geographic area; and providing the content of the warning message to the user based on determining that the mobile device has moved inside the geographic area.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to location-based warning systems for mobile devices, specifically addressing the need to provide timely and relevant warnings to users when they enter predefined geographic areas. The system monitors the position of a mobile device and detects when it enters a designated geographic area. Upon detecting entry, the system automatically retrieves and delivers a warning message to the user. The warning message may include information about potential hazards, restrictions, or other relevant alerts specific to the geographic area. The system ensures that users receive critical information as soon as they enter the area, enhancing safety and awareness. The method involves continuous or periodic tracking of the mobile device's location, comparing it against stored geographic boundaries, and triggering the warning message upon confirmation of entry. This approach is particularly useful for applications such as emergency alerts, restricted zone notifications, or environmental hazard warnings, where immediate awareness is crucial. The invention improves upon existing systems by ensuring warnings are delivered only when the user is physically within the area of concern, reducing unnecessary notifications and improving user engagement with critical alerts.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The method of claim 10 wherein periodically reobtaining the new location estimate comprises reobtaining the new location estimate following an occurrence of a trigger event, wherein the trigger event includes at least one of an expiration of a periodic interval, a determination of a movement of the mobile device by more than a threshold distance from a previous location for the mobile device, receiving a new broadcast of the warning message, or receiving a new broadcast of the warning message after expiration of a threshold time interval following obtaining a previous location estimate for the mobile device.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to location-based warning systems for mobile devices, specifically improving the accuracy and timeliness of location estimates used to determine whether a mobile device is within a hazardous area. The problem addressed is ensuring that location estimates are updated frequently enough to account for device movement or changes in warning conditions, while avoiding unnecessary updates that consume excessive power or network resources. The method involves periodically reobtaining a new location estimate for a mobile device to assess whether it remains within a hazardous area defined by a broadcast warning message. The reobtaining process is triggered by specific events, including the expiration of a periodic interval, detection of device movement exceeding a threshold distance from a previous location, receipt of a new broadcast of the warning message, or receipt of a new warning message after a threshold time has passed since the last location estimate was obtained. These triggers ensure that location updates are performed only when necessary, balancing accuracy with efficiency. The system dynamically adjusts to changing conditions, such as device movement or updated hazard boundaries, to maintain reliable safety alerts. The method is particularly useful in emergency alert systems, traffic safety applications, or environmental hazard monitoring where precise and timely location tracking is critical.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The method of claim 10 and further comprising: ceasing to reobtain the new location estimate following at least one of an expiration of a maximum duration, ceasing to receive a broadcast of the warning message or performing a cell change or a handover to a new cell.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing location estimates in response to broadcast warning messages. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently update and manage location estimates of mobile devices when receiving periodic warning messages, such as those used in public safety or emergency alert systems, to ensure accurate and timely positioning without unnecessary resource consumption. The method involves obtaining an initial location estimate of a mobile device and then reobtaining a new location estimate in response to receiving a broadcast warning message. The reobtained location estimate is used to determine whether the mobile device is within a geographic area associated with the warning. To optimize performance, the method includes ceasing to reobtain the new location estimate under certain conditions. These conditions include the expiration of a predefined maximum duration, the cessation of receiving the broadcast warning message, or the occurrence of a cell change or handover to a new cell. This ensures that location updates are only performed when necessary, conserving power and computational resources while maintaining accurate positioning for emergency alerts. The method may also involve comparing the new location estimate to the geographic area to determine if the mobile device remains within the affected region.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the message identifier includes the interior or exterior cell indication.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for wireless communication involves identifying and managing messages within a cellular network, particularly distinguishing between messages originating from interior cells (e.g., within a building) and exterior cells (e.g., outdoor areas). The method includes generating a message identifier that incorporates an indicator specifying whether the message is associated with an interior or exterior cell. This identifier helps the network efficiently route, prioritize, or process messages based on their origin, improving reliability and performance. The system may use this information to optimize resource allocation, reduce interference, or enhance handover procedures between different cell types. The method may also involve analyzing signal characteristics, such as signal strength or propagation patterns, to determine the cell type and update the message identifier accordingly. This approach ensures accurate message classification and improves overall network efficiency by adapting to varying environmental conditions.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The method of claim 1 , wherein the base station is an evolved Node B (eNB), a next generation eNB (ng-eNB) or a New Radio Node B (gNB).

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for optimizing network performance by dynamically selecting base station types. The problem addressed is the need for flexible and efficient base station deployment in heterogeneous networks, where different generations of base stations (e.g., LTE, 5G) must coexist and interoperate. The solution involves a method where a base station dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on network conditions, user device capabilities, and service requirements. The base station can function as an evolved Node B (eNB) for LTE, a next-generation eNB (ng-eNB) for advanced LTE features, or a New Radio Node B (gNB) for 5G NR, depending on the context. This adaptability ensures seamless connectivity, improved resource utilization, and enhanced user experience across diverse network environments. The method may also involve coordinating with other network elements to manage handover procedures, load balancing, and interference mitigation, ensuring optimal performance regardless of the base station type in use. The invention is particularly useful in scenarios where legacy and next-generation devices coexist, enabling smooth transitions and maintaining high-quality service.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The method of claim 1 further comprising verifying the warning message is not a duplicate.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for managing warning messages in a vehicle or industrial control system detects and processes warning conditions to ensure timely and accurate alerts. The system monitors operational parameters of the vehicle or industrial equipment to identify potential issues. When a warning condition is detected, the system generates a warning message containing relevant diagnostic information, such as error codes, sensor readings, or system status. The warning message is then transmitted to a user interface or external monitoring system for display or further analysis. To prevent redundant alerts, the system checks whether the warning message is a duplicate of a previously issued warning before transmission. If the warning is a duplicate, it is suppressed to avoid unnecessary notifications. The system may also prioritize warnings based on severity or urgency, ensuring critical issues are addressed first. The method ensures efficient and effective communication of system warnings while minimizing alert fatigue.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The method of claim 1 further comprising: determining whether the user has opted out of receiving the warning message; and upon a determination that the user has not opted out of receiving the warning message, providing the content of the warning message to the user based on the detection of the interior cell indication.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to systems for detecting and warning users about potential hazards in cellular environments, specifically when a mobile device is inside a vehicle. The problem addressed is the risk of distracted driving caused by mobile device usage, which can lead to accidents. The invention provides a method to detect when a mobile device is inside a vehicle and then delivers a warning message to the user to discourage unsafe behavior. The method involves detecting an interior cell indication, which signifies that the mobile device is inside a vehicle. This detection can be based on various factors, such as signal strength, sensor data, or other contextual information. Once the interior cell indication is detected, the system checks whether the user has opted out of receiving warning messages. If the user has not opted out, the system provides the content of the warning message to the user. The warning message is designed to alert the user about the potential dangers of using the device while driving, encouraging safer behavior. The invention ensures that warnings are only delivered to users who have not explicitly chosen to disable them, respecting user preferences while promoting safety. The system dynamically adapts to the user's environment, enhancing the effectiveness of the warning mechanism. This approach helps reduce distractions and improves road safety by discouraging mobile device usage while driving.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. A device for receiving and displaying a warning message, comprising: a wireless transceiver configured to receive a warning message broadcast from a base station in a wireless network; at least one processor operably coupled to the wireless transceiver and configured to: determine a message identifier and an interior or exterior cell indication based on the warning message, wherein the exterior cell indication comprises an inclusion of a definition of a geographic area in the warning message and the interior cell indication comprises an exclusion of the definition of the geographic area in the warning message; and provide a content of the warning message to a user based on a detection of the interior cell indication.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a device for receiving and displaying warning messages in a wireless network. The device addresses the challenge of efficiently delivering location-specific warnings to users, distinguishing between messages intended for specific geographic areas (exterior cell indications) and those meant for general broadcast (interior cell indications). The device includes a wireless transceiver that receives warning messages broadcast by a base station in a wireless network. At least one processor is operably coupled to the transceiver and processes the warning message to extract a message identifier and determine whether the message includes an interior or exterior cell indication. An exterior cell indication is identified when the warning message contains a definition of a geographic area, while an interior cell indication is identified when the geographic area definition is absent. The processor then provides the warning message content to the user based on detecting an interior cell indication, ensuring that relevant alerts are displayed appropriately. This approach optimizes message delivery by distinguishing between localized and general warnings, improving user awareness and network efficiency.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The device of claim 18 , wherein the interior cell indication comprises an indication of a cell for which location verification of the mobile device is not needed and the exterior cell indication comprises an indication of a cell for which location verification of the mobile device is needed.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to mobile device location verification in cellular networks, addressing the challenge of efficiently determining when precise location verification is necessary. The system categorizes cells into interior and exterior cells based on their location verification requirements. Interior cells are designated as areas where location verification of the mobile device is not needed, while exterior cells are areas where location verification is required. The device includes a processor configured to receive signals from the mobile device, determine the cell in which the device is located, and apply the appropriate verification rules based on the cell type. This differentiation allows for optimized resource usage by avoiding unnecessary location verification in interior cells while ensuring accurate verification in exterior cells. The system may also include a database storing the cell classifications and a communication interface for exchanging data with the mobile device. The invention improves network efficiency by reducing unnecessary verification processes while maintaining security and accuracy in critical areas.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The device of claim 18 wherein the at least one processor is configured to determine the geographic area based on the warning message.

Plain English Translation

A system for processing and analyzing warning messages to determine geographic areas affected by potential hazards. The system includes a processor configured to receive warning messages, which may contain information about hazards such as weather events, natural disasters, or other emergencies. The processor extracts relevant data from these messages to identify the geographic area impacted by the hazard. This determination is based on the content of the warning message, which may include location-specific details, coordinates, or descriptive text. The system may also include a communication interface to receive and transmit warning messages, as well as a memory to store processed data and historical records. The processor further analyzes the warning message to assess the severity, type, and duration of the hazard, enabling more accurate and timely responses. The system may be integrated into emergency management platforms, weather monitoring systems, or public safety networks to enhance situational awareness and decision-making. By automating the extraction and analysis of geographic information from warning messages, the system improves the efficiency and accuracy of hazard response efforts.

Claim 21

Original Legal Text

21. The device of claim 20 , wherein the geographic area is a polygon, circle or ellipse.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for monitoring and managing geographic areas, particularly for tracking objects or individuals within defined boundaries. The problem addressed is the need for precise and flexible geographic area definitions to improve accuracy in location-based monitoring applications, such as asset tracking, security, or navigation. The device includes a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to define a geographic area for monitoring. The geographic area can be dynamically adjusted based on real-time data, such as sensor inputs or user-defined parameters. The system also includes a communication interface for receiving location data from tracked objects or individuals and comparing their positions against the defined geographic area. If an object or individual exits the area, the system generates an alert or triggers a predefined action, such as notifying an operator or adjusting the area boundaries. The geographic area can be configured as a polygon, circle, or ellipse, allowing for customizable shapes to match real-world environments. The system may also incorporate additional features, such as adjusting the area size or shape based on environmental conditions or user preferences. The device ensures reliable monitoring by continuously updating the area definition and validating location data against the current boundaries. This approach enhances accuracy and adaptability in location-based tracking applications.

Claim 22

Original Legal Text

22. The device of claim 20 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: determine the exterior cell indication based on the warning message; determine a location estimate for the device based on detecting the exterior cell indication; and determine whether the device is within or outside the geographic area based on the location estimate.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a wireless communication device configured to determine its position relative to a geographic area, such as a restricted zone, using cell-based location estimation. The device receives a warning message indicating the presence of an exterior cell, which is a cell outside the geographic area. The device processes this warning message to determine an exterior cell indication, which signifies that the device is likely outside the restricted zone. The device then calculates a location estimate based on this indication, using techniques such as signal strength analysis or triangulation. Finally, the device evaluates whether it is inside or outside the geographic area by comparing the location estimate to the boundaries of the restricted zone. This system helps ensure compliance with geographic restrictions, such as those imposed by regulatory authorities or network operators, by providing accurate and timely positioning information. The device may also include additional features, such as alerting the user or restricting certain functions when the device is determined to be outside the allowed area. The invention is particularly useful in scenarios where precise GPS-based location tracking is unavailable or unreliable, relying instead on cellular network infrastructure for positioning.

Claim 23

Original Legal Text

23. The device of claim 22 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: determine that the device is within the geographic area; and provide the content of the warning message to the user based on determining that the device is within the geographic area.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a device that provides location-based warning messages to users. The problem addressed is the need for systems that can automatically detect when a user is in a specific geographic area and deliver relevant warnings or alerts. The device includes at least one processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform certain functions. The processor is configured to determine whether the device is within a predefined geographic area. Once the device detects that it is within this area, it provides a warning message to the user. The warning message may include information about potential hazards, restrictions, or other relevant alerts specific to that location. The device may also include a communication interface to receive the warning message from a remote server or another device. The processor may further process the warning message before displaying it to the user, such as formatting it for readability or prioritizing it based on urgency. The system ensures that users receive timely and location-specific warnings, enhancing safety and awareness in dynamic environments.

Claim 24

Original Legal Text

24. The device of claim 22 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: determine, based on an indication in the warning message, whether the device shall or shall not provide the warning message to the user when unable to determine whether the device is within or outside the geographic area; determine that the device may or may not be within the geographic area; provide the content of the warning message to the user when the indication indicates that the device shall provide the warning message; and not provide the content of the warning message to the user when the indication indicates that the device shall not provide the warning message.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing warning messages in a device determines whether to display a warning based on geographic location uncertainty. The device receives a warning message associated with a geographic area and may be unable to confirm its exact location relative to that area. The system evaluates an indication within the warning message to decide whether to display the warning when location certainty is low. If the indication specifies that warnings should be shown regardless of location uncertainty, the device presents the warning content to the user. Conversely, if the indication requires certainty, the device suppresses the warning. This approach ensures warnings are only displayed when appropriate, preventing unnecessary alerts while maintaining safety when location data is unreliable. The system integrates with a broader device configuration that processes warning messages, evaluates location data, and manages user notifications. The solution addresses challenges in mobile or IoT devices where GPS or other location services may be intermittent or inaccurate, ensuring warnings are contextually relevant.

Claim 25

Original Legal Text

25. The device of claim 22 wherein the at least one processor is configured to determine that the device is within the geographic area by at least one of determining that the location estimate is within the geographic area, determining that the location estimate is within a threshold distance of and outside the geographic area, or determining that the location estimate is either within the geographic area or within the threshold distance of and outside the geographic area.

Plain English Translation

A system for determining whether a device is within a predefined geographic area uses location estimation to assess proximity. The device includes at least one processor that evaluates the location estimate against the geographic area boundaries. The processor determines the device's position by checking if the location estimate falls within the geographic area, if it is within a threshold distance outside the area, or if it meets either condition. This allows the system to flexibly define proximity to the geographic area, accommodating scenarios where precise boundary detection is challenging. The location estimate may be derived from GPS, cellular triangulation, Wi-Fi positioning, or other geolocation methods. The system may also adjust the threshold distance dynamically based on environmental factors or signal accuracy. This approach ensures reliable detection of the device's position relative to the geographic area, useful for applications like geofencing, asset tracking, or location-based services. The processor may further trigger actions or notifications based on the determined position, such as alerts when the device enters or exits the area. The system improves accuracy in boundary detection by considering both direct inclusion within the area and proximity outside it.

Claim 26

Original Legal Text

26. The device of claim 25 , wherein the at least one processor is configured to determine the threshold distance based on the warning message.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a device for managing communication between a vehicle and a mobile device, addressing the challenge of ensuring timely and relevant alerts to the vehicle's occupants. The device includes at least one processor and a communication interface for exchanging data with the mobile device. The processor is configured to receive a warning message from the mobile device, where the message may include information such as proximity alerts, traffic conditions, or other relevant notifications. The processor then determines a threshold distance based on the content of the warning message, which defines a spatial boundary within which the warning should be triggered. For example, if the warning pertains to an upcoming hazard, the threshold distance may be set to ensure the alert is delivered well before the vehicle reaches the hazard. The device also monitors the vehicle's position relative to the threshold distance and, when the vehicle approaches or crosses this boundary, the processor generates an alert to notify the driver or passengers. This system ensures that warnings are delivered at the most appropriate moment, enhancing safety and situational awareness. The invention may also include additional features such as adjusting the threshold distance dynamically based on vehicle speed, traffic conditions, or other contextual factors to optimize alert timing.

Claim 27

Original Legal Text

27. The device of claim 18 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: determine whether the user has opted out of receiving the warning message; and upon a determination that the user has not opted out of receiving the warning message, providing the content of the warning message to the user based on the detection of the interior cell indication.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for providing warning messages to users based on detected conditions, specifically when a user is inside a cell or confined space. The system includes at least one processor configured to monitor environmental or positional data to determine whether a user is inside a cell, such as a vehicle, building, or other enclosed area. If the user is detected inside such a space, the system checks whether the user has opted out of receiving warning messages. If the user has not opted out, the system provides a warning message to the user based on the detection. The warning message may include alerts about potential hazards, safety instructions, or other relevant information. The system ensures that users receive timely warnings unless they have explicitly chosen to disable them, enhancing safety and awareness in confined environments. The invention may be used in applications such as vehicle safety systems, industrial monitoring, or smart building alerts.

Claim 28

Original Legal Text

28. An apparatus for providing a warning message, comprising: means for receiving a warning message broadcast from a base station in a wireless network, the warning message including a message identifier and an interior or exterior cell indication, wherein the exterior cell indication comprises an inclusion of a definition of a geographic area in the warning message and the interior cell indication comprises an exclusion of the definition of the geographic area in the warning message; and means for providing a content of the warning message to a user based on a detection of the interior cell indication.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless network systems that broadcast warning messages to users, addressing the need for efficient and context-aware alert delivery. The apparatus receives warning messages from a base station, where each message includes a message identifier and either an interior or exterior cell indication. The exterior cell indication defines a specific geographic area, while the interior cell indication omits this definition. The apparatus then determines whether to display the warning content to the user based on detecting the interior cell indication. This approach allows the system to distinguish between warnings intended for users within a predefined area (exterior cell) and those for users inside a cell boundary (interior cell), optimizing alert relevance. The apparatus ensures that warnings are delivered appropriately, enhancing user awareness while reducing unnecessary notifications. The system leverages existing wireless network infrastructure to improve emergency communication efficiency.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

October 13, 2020

Inventors

Stephen William EDGE
Farrokh KHATIBI
Kirk Allan BURROUGHS
James DELOACH

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Cite as: Patentable. “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR EFFICIENT LOCATION SUPPORT FOR WIRELESS EMERGENCY ALERTS” (10805784). https://patentable.app/patents/10805784

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